Hello McKenzie Highlands School Community 

As we begin a new school year, there is so much promise and possibility in the air. We’re looking forward to seeing our school come alive with curiosity and learning. The return of students brings a vibrant rhythm to our hallways and classrooms, and we’re excited for all that lies ahead. 

Parents can expect to receive a weekly “Week Ahead” from the main office. This is our way of keeping you informed about upcoming events, updates, and the many opportunities our school offers.  

We are sending this welcome newsletter with a few key details regarding the start of the new school year. 

Student Timetables & First Day Procedures 

All students enter through the main entrance every school day. 

Our first day of classes is Tuesday, September 2.  Classes begin at 9:00 am and we open the main doors at 8;45 am. 

Grade 4&5 Students: We will usher our grade 4 and 5 students into the main gym upon their arrival at school and there will be plenty of staff on hand to help them find their way.  We request that parents say goodbye outside of the school. 

Grade 6-9 Students: Homeroom schedules will be posted outside the main doors and in the school foyer.  Students will locate their homeroom and proceed to homeroom.  Students in grade 7-9 will be given a printed timetable and grade 6 will have a timetable review in homeroom.  Timetables should also be available on PowerSchool on the first day of school as well. 

Bell Times – 2025-2026 

Bell Schedule, Nutrition Break and Lunch 

Due to changes in transportation and required alignment with Alberta Education instructional hours, our nutrition break is now 9 minutes (formerly 15 minutes), and our lunch break is 39 minutes (formerly 57 minutes).   Students in grades 7-9 who have off campus privileges will no longer have time to get to High Street and other vendors.  Please ensure they bring snacks and lunch. 

Students in grade 4-6 remain on campus at all times with lunch supervision in place.   

We have posted a copy of the bell schedule on our School Hours & Bell Times page. 

Cafeteria Services 

We offer a wide range of hot entrees, sandwiches and other healthy choices.  We expect to open our cafeteria on Monday, September 8.  More information to follow in the Week Ahead.  Students may pay with debit cards, credit or cash.  Please note that if paying with debit, a debit card is required as cell phones cannot be used in the school. 

School Supplies 

Grade 4-6 students do not need to bring school supplies as they are provided by the school. 

Grade 7-9: Please have pens, pencils, paper and a binder to start the school year.  Teachers will send additional supply requirements in their course outlines in the coming days. 

Office Hours 

Our office will be open this week from 9:00-3:30 except for Friday, August 29 when we will close at 12:00 that day. 

Class Change Requests 

With respect to class placement changes and option changes. We ask that families respect the work that the staff have done to create class lists and timetables and refrain from requesting changes as we are unable to accommodate these requests currently.  

School Refusal 

The startup of the new year sometimes causes high stress for some of our students.  If you are experiencing this at home with your child, please contact your child’s homeroom teacher or Ms. Jenine Foster, Student Services, at jrfoster@cbe.ab.ca. We have lots of experience with helping families work through these challenges.  We are happy to support our students and parents. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to MHS rather than wait until we are weeks or months into the school year. 

Personal Electronic Device Policy (PED) 

McKenzie Highlands School is in full compliance with Alberta Education Ministerial Order on Personal Electronic Device Use. 

Please review the Personal Mobile Device Policy to be aware of the rationale, the compliance requirements, and the progressive discipline measures in place for instances of non-compliance. 

Daryl Martin, Principal              Tiffany Jernigan, Assistant Principal